Focus Question: How can we help all students to improve using results from November exams?
Introduction
Our third National Online Event was held on 14 January 2026, where we asked: How can we help all students to improve using results from November exams?
Below, you can find out about what we explored and some of the insights discussed in our breakout sessions.
1) Exploring the Question
This session focused on how November exam results can be used meaningfully to support learning, rather than simply to record attainment or identify gaps in isolation. The discussion moved beyond viewing results as an endpoint and instead positioned them as a starting point for understanding how students are thinking, what they understand securely and what they are ready to learn next.
We explored a range of ways in which November results are currently used across the sector. These included Question Level Analysis (QLAs), cohort overviews, examiners’ reports and access to student scripts. Participants reflected on how these sources of information can provide valuable insights, but only when used to inform teaching rather than as a standalone analysis.
The session also highlighted the importance of looking beyond surface-level errors. Examiners’ reports frequently identify issues such as not checking answers, inefficient strategies and confusion between closely related concepts such as mean and median or area and perimeter. These are not simply mistakes, but indicators of how students are thinking.
A key message throughout this part of the session was that the most powerful insights come from combining data with real examples of student work. In particular, student scripts were explored as a way of making thinking visible, helping teachers to see not just what learners got wrong, but why.
2) Discussion and Collaboration
Mentimeter responses showed a range of approaches currently used across colleges. Most participants reported using either AQA or Pearson Edexcel for November resits, with a smaller number using Eduqas. Entry approaches also varied, with some colleges entering all students and others taking a more targeted approach.
In breakout discussions, colleagues shared how November results are typically used in their settings. Common themes included analysing question performance, shaping schemes of work, requesting exam scripts and identifying students who may need additional support or re-engagement.
There was also a strong focus on the use of student work as a teaching tool. Colleagues discussed using real student responses to:
- highlight common errors
- compare answers with exemplars
- support discussion about methods and reasoning
- help students understand how marks are gained and lost
Participants noted that this approach can help students see “how easy it is to lose marks”, while also building familiarity with exam expectations. There was also recognition that mark schemes can be difficult for students to interpret, and that careful modelling is needed to support their use.
Alongside these ideas, colleagues reflected on the challenges of moving from analysis to action. Time constraints, mixed attainment within classes and the need to balance curriculum coverage with responsive teaching were all identified as ongoing considerations.
Despite this, the discussion highlighted a shared commitment to using November results not just to identify gaps, but to actively support improvement through teaching.
3) Shared Links and Resources
Resources which were shared during the session include:
- Access to Scripts services (all exam boards)
Allows teachers and students to review real exam responses, supporting both individual feedback and whole-class discussion around methods, misconceptions and communication. - Examiners’ Reports (all exam boards)
Provide insight into common errors, misconceptions and patterns of performance, helping teachers to anticipate and address areas of difficulty. - Exam board exemplar materials
Annotated examples of student work which can be used to explore how marks are awarded and what successful responses look like.
Join us for our next event
We are grateful to everyone who joined us for our first National Online Events, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event.